Question 1

what is the purpose of a myocardial perfusion scan?

Accepted Answer

Nuclear stress test: This is a specialized form of stress test used to confirm the presence of coronary artery disease in patients suspected of having this problem. It uses a low-level nuclear tracer to assess blood flow to the heart muscle before and after exercise-induced stress.  In patients who cannot exercise, other pharmacologic means can be used such as adenosine, lexiscan, persantine,  or dobutamine.

Question 2

what is the function of a myocardial perfusion scan?

Accepted Answer

Blood flow to heart: It shows blood flow to the heart. It can show old scar of a heart attack or heart muscle that is not getting enough blood , which could mean a future heart attack.

Question 3

what are the risks in having a myocardial perfusion scan?

Accepted Answer

Minimal : There is a small amount of radiation from the scan but it is less than from a cat scan. If you do an exercise stress test, there is a small risk from the exercise portion but you are continuously monitored for any problems. Your job is to report any difficulties or symptoms during the test.

Question 4

can you consumer alcohol after a myocardial perfusion scan?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Of course, I am not recommending excessive amounts of alcohol with or without the scan.

Question 5

is it safe to be around kids after a myocardial perfusion scan?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but...: Yes if you are more than 6 feet away from them for the first 24 hours. After that no restrictions

Question 6

is a myocardial perfusion scan the same as nuclear stress scan?

Accepted Answer

Yes: yes
unless they use different medicine

Question 7

what are nursing interventions after a myocardial perfusion scan?

Accepted Answer

Usually just monitor: Thee monitoring consists of blood pressure and heart rate observation, and watching for chest pain. If it was an exercise treadmill test, people can have a rise in "vagal" nerve input during recovery, so watch for low heart rates. If medication stress test was done (adenosine or persantine), make sure to watch out for wheezing, which can be triggered in predisposed patients (e.g. With asthma).

Question 8

how does the radioactivity affect someone after the myocardial perfusion scan?

Accepted Answer

Cancer risk: It is important to remember that tests commonly done, such as myocardial perfusion scans, ct scans, and plain xrays, expose you to radiation. It adds up. There is an increased incidence of cancer many years later. We cannot practice medicine without those tests but they should only be performed when absolutely necessary. You should question the need for tests involving radiation exposure.

Question 9

could you tell me what is the purpose of a myocardial perfusion scan [nuclear test]?

Accepted Answer

Perfusion scans: The main risks to these studies relate to the exercise stress used and to the radiation exposure. In general both are very well controlled and the complications and negative outcomes to these studies are very few and uncommon in good labs. The commonest side effects are with Persantine and Adenosine used to simulate exercise. Regadenoson a newer agent has few side effects.

Question 10

can i eat food before having myocardial perfusion scan?

Accepted Answer

No: No because the blood flow to stomach increased and it makes the image less accurate.

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Doctor answers about:

Myocardial perfusion scan at rest

A member asked:

What is the purpose of a myocardial perfusion scan?

A member asked:

What is the function of a myocardial perfusion scan?

A member asked:

What are the risks in having a myocardial perfusion scan?

A member asked:

Can you consumer alcohol after a myocardial perfusion scan?

A member asked:

Is it safe to be around kids after a myocardial perfusion scan?

A member asked:

Is a myocardial perfusion scan the same as nuclear stress scan?

A member asked:

What are nursing interventions after a myocardial perfusion scan?

A member asked:

How does the radioactivity affect someone after the myocardial perfusion scan?

A member asked:

Could you tell me what is the purpose of a myocardial perfusion scan [nuclear test]?

A member asked:

Can i eat food before having myocardial perfusion scan?

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